FAQs
What are cancer clinical trials?
A. Clinical trials are research studies conducted with patients to evaluate a new form of intervention with the hope of improving or extending the patient's life. By participating in a clinical trial, patients are making individual and unique contributions to improved cancer care for themselves and others.
What are the advantages of being part of a clinical trial?
Patients in clinical trials may be the first to receive promising new treatments before they become widely available. These new drugs are often given to patients at no charge. As part of a trial, nationally prominent oncologists (cancer doctors), pathologists, radiologists, and others in the health care field often review a patient's status and treatment plan. Receiving separate opinions from these experts normally comes at no cost to the patient.
What are the risks of being part of a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is not one of "trial" and error. Before a new treatment is given to patients, it is carefully studied in the laboratory. Such research points out methods most likely to succeed, and, as much as possible, shows how to use them safely and effectively. Before moving forward, these researchers must have found reasons to believe that the treatment will be as good as, or better than, current methods.
Treatments used in clinical trials, just like non-trial treatments, can cause side effects and other health risks, depending on the treatment and the patient's condition. The side-effects vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will be able to give you information on what to expect.
Ethical and legal codes which regulate medical practice apply to clinical trials. In fact, the necessity, safety, and ethics of treatments used in trial situations are under closer scrutiny than treatments in non-trial settings. There are several layers of oversight, from the National Cancer Institute to the local Institutional Review Board, which is comprised of people from throughout the local community.
Can I leave a clinical trial at any time?
Absolutely! Patients are not "locked into" clinical trials; they may leave at any time. Also, doctors may remove patients whenever they feel it is medically appropriate to do so.
Physicians involved in clinical trials will do what they feel is best for their patients. If new information is discovered about the existing treatment, patients are then notified and can decide whether to continue their participation. The point of clinical trials is not only to test new treatments, but also to improve and / or extend lives. Practical considerations, such as how treatment will affect a patient's daily life, are heavily weighed. Patients will never be denied more effective treatment simply because they are currently involved in a clinical trial.
How do I decide what's best for me or for my loved one?
Being diagnosed with cancer and choosing a treatment can be overwhelming. It is very important to discuss all your options with medical experts -- including your own doctor(s) -- and with those close to you. Your personal physician and cancer specialists can counsel you about your choices for standard treatment or clinical trials.
Talk to your doctors and ask questions about your situation. Request reading materials about the clinical trial you're considering. Make a list of questions to ask. If you understand what is going on, you can better discuss the issues with your doctor. Feel free to bring along your spouse, other family members, or close friends to your appointment.
As you consider a trial, remember that you are not alone. There are many people to help you -- doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy, family, friends, and other patients. Although it is YOUR choice, they can help you with your decision making process.
If you have any questions about Sletten Cancer Institute, please email SCI Marketing & Public Relations. We want to hear from you!
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